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Member Spotlight

MY BUSINESS…MYSELF

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest and oldest independent iron ore mining company in the United States, and is celebrating 170 years of mining in 2017. A Cleveland company, Cliffs’ heritage has roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the first mines were opened. I began my government relations career with Cliffs in 2008, and was drawn to its rich history. By providing a key ingredient for the production of steel, Cleveland-Cliffs serves at the base of the state’s manufacturing economy.

GREATEST CHALLENGE

Imports of dumped steel products reached record-high levels in 2015 and 2016, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs and the temporary idling of domestic iron ore mines. In mid-2016, the federal government implemented tariffs on several steel product lines which reduced levels of dumped and illegally-subsidized imports and has allowed for a gradual recovery.

GREATEST OPPORTUNITY

Cleveland-Cliffs recently announced plans to develop the first hot briquetted iron (HBI) production facility in the Great Lakes region. This is an exciting opportunity to expand and serve a new customer – electric arc furnaces – which have become a dominant and growing portion of the US steel market.

WHY I BELONG TO THE CHAMBER

The regulatory and policy environment in the states in which we operate can have a significant impact on Cliffs‘ business. The Michigan Chamber is a valuable resource where one can readily connect with staff to obtain in-depth and up-to-date insight on state policy initiatives and provide input.

WHY I SERVE ON A CHAMBER POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The policy committees are an excellent way to directly participate in the advocacy advanced by the Michigan Chamber. They provide an opportunity to interact with and hear directly from elected and administrative officials on policy priorities, as well as network with representatives of other Michigan-based companies that face similar regulatory challenges.